Yusril: KPK Does Not Yet Need to Take Over Febrie Case from AGO

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has expressed the view that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) does not yet need to take over the investigation into the alleged corruption case involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, from the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). He acknowledged that the KPK possesses the authority to assume control of a case, but argued it is not necessary at this stage. “Hopefully it remains on track and the KPK does not need to take over this investigation for the time being,” Yusril said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (20/7). Yusril explained that the KPK’s authority to take over corruption cases from other law enforcement agencies is subject to several conditions. Referring to Law No. 19 of 2019 in conjunction with Law No. 30 of 2002 on the KPK, a takeover can occur if the investigation is deemed protracted, involves law enforcement officials, concerns a matter of significant public interest, or involves a case value exceeding IDR 1 billion. Yusril also urged all parties to oversee the legal process. “Once all the evidence has been gathered, the Attorney General’s Office should proceed to transfer the case to the Corruption Court,” he stated. Febrie was named a suspect and questioned by the AGO on Friday (17/7). The Head of the AGO’s Legal Information Centre, Anang Supriatna, confirmed that Febrie’s suspect status is linked to corruption and money laundering cases, including the Asabri scandal. The AGO has issued three new investigation warrants related to corruption and money laundering cases implicating Febrie. These warrants cover alleged corruption and money laundering at PT Krakatau Steel, coal procurement for PLN’s power plants that resulted in a blackout, and the Asabri case. In addition to Febrie, investigators have also named private sector individual Don Ritto as a suspect for alleged money laundering derived from corruption. Febrie is suspected of involvement in corruption and money laundering during the legal handling of state officials in the Asabri case and other alleged corruption matters. The AGO has also formed a special team of nine senior prosecutors, most of whom previously served at the KPK, and stated that these prosecutors have shown no resistance to handling the case against Febrie.